Schwalben-Sammelzüge Wollmatinger Ried

About this spectacle

Each August and September, vast flocks of barn swallows and other hirundines gather over the reed beds of the Wollmatinger Ried nature reserve on the shores of Lake Constance. As dusk approaches, thousands of birds spiral and wheel in shifting formations above the reeds before plunging down to roost for the night — a breathtaking aerial display of synchronized movement. The sight is accompanied by a continuous chorus of chattering calls. Visitors stand at the water's edge and watch the sky fill and empty as wave after wave of swallows descend. The cool lakeside air, the silhouette of the Alps across the water, and the sheer density of birds make this one of Central Europe's most dramatic pre-migration gatherings. The spectacle builds over weeks as birds stage before their long journey south.

When to go

Jul — Oct, peak Aug — Sep

Getting there

Nearest airport: FDH. Nearest city: Konstanz.

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